Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, made this pledge during a diplomatic reception held in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to celebrate the incoming U.S. administration.
The event, organized by Rwanda's Embassy in the United States and Ambassador Robert C. O'Brien, brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders, and friends of Rwanda.
During the gathering, which was attended by Mathilde Mukantabana, the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the United States, Minister Nduhungirehe emphasized Rwanda's commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with the U.S. and other nations represented at the reception.
"Rwanda is committed to further strengthen its relations with the United States of America, under the Trump Administration," he said.
Ambassador O'Brien's presence at the gathering was particularly significant. He served as the 27th U.S. National Security Advisor between 2019 and 2021. As President Trump's principal advisor on all aspects of American foreign policy and national security, O'Brien previously led the U.S. government's diplomatic efforts on hostage-related matters.
The event served as a platform to celebrate the incoming U.S. administration and underscore Rwanda's vision of continued bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
President Trump was inaugurated on Monday, January 20, after defeating Democrat Kamala Harris in the presidential election held in November last year.
Earlier in the month, President Paul Kagame expressed optimism about potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Trump's leadership, particularly concerning African matters.
This includes the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has been fueled by ongoing clashes between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army, along with allied militias such as the FDLRâ€"a group composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
President Kagame shared his views during a New Year press conference on January 9, 2025, where he addressed various topics.
In response to a question from an Al Jazeera journalist about what new developments might be expected from the new U.S. administration regarding the DRC, President Kagame stated that he respects the changes in leadership, acknowledging that they were made for valid reasons.
'I respect the change that has taken place in the United States because for it to happen, it must have been for very good reasons that the Americans endorsed with their vote,' he said.
Kagame also noted that while the transition represents democratic processes, the U.S.'s approach to political issues is expected to evolve.
'There are many things, even geopolitically, at least the approach, that are going to change for sure [...] I think that it will be the same with the approach to how African matters may be dealt with generally, and specifically with Eastern Congo. The same might see change happen,' he remarked.
'That's what I think from a distance, and I am just waiting for what will follow,' he added.
The President has, in the past, accused the international community of turning a blind eye to the root causes of tensions in eastern Congo. He insists that the issues stem from, among others, arbitrary drawing of borders during the colonial era and governance issues.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
